Extreme Nights

Both fighters were brawlers tonight. Dean dives out through the ropes too much without any real damage to Luke. He needs to leave that to his younger self.  But Dean has a set list of moves that he puts his own unique spin on things. Bouncing off the middle rope to come right back in for a strong clothesline, is reminiscent of Rey Mysterio’s agility swinging through. T-shirt and jeans lets him connect with the common folk; balding comb forward shows his age but adds to the character.

The Night they go Extreme!

Definitely not a full-on ECW!, ECW!, ECW! chant, but there were fun stipulation matches.

                  The night of extreme started off with a great opener –

                   

Dean Ambrose (or that guy from The Shining)

                              vs Luke Harper (or that scary guy in the hills). 

Ambrose is a natural with interacting with the audience. He knows he needs to be loud, to stay in that kind of crazy character. Definitely not a talker; not yet. With years, and maybe teaming up with Bray Wyatt down the road, he’ll get it. Ambrose is tough, and can take a beating. He needed to be tonight.

Luke is a good kind of bad. You’re not going to want him to go to book signings, or teach children to be a “superstar”. No matter how friendly he is under that stinky mess. He’s a clobber guy – bear claws for hands. One swipe takes most of them down. Luke has a good no finesse entrance. The wild eye video with a punk drift in the background, is unsettling.

Luke is that kind of wrestler you don’t want to fight. Nothing really to lose. He’s not a Golden Boy. Nowhere near being a Positive Role Model. But he brings that fight. He makes everyone earn that win, if they get that far. Sweaty, stained under-shirt that you can smell from the TV, Luke is going to make you wish you called in sick. Standing well over 6’, he’s a big guy that can really move. Only The Undertaker is more agile than Luke Harper. With an aggressive stance always, owning his right to bare arms (and Big Boots), Luke is always going in for the kill.

The match of Two Wild and Crazy Eyes, the Chicago Street Fight, finally made its way to the back rooms. There have been some wonderfully barbaric street fights in the past. Mr. Perfect vs. Roddy Piper. Booker T vs Goldust. John Cena vs. JBL. (That last one was a Parking Lot Brawl, but you get the idea.) On other occasions, like tonight, it fizzles.

Luke Harper got the “bright” idea to find a truck that had keys in it, and decided to run away? That led to Dean jumping through the window and they both…Left the building. The audience left that match too…a while ago, unfortunately.

*

Cut to a scene in the back with Triple H talking with (business-suit) Kane. Instantly, joined by Seth Rollins. First off, Triple H is always great at back stage scenes – he’s got a natural character voice that has always been strong. I miss the long hair, but we all miss the Attitude Era. Kane in a suit. There’s an oddity about it. It doesn’t suit him. Oh, yes I did say it.

On the other hand, Kane has achieved better success with his voice. You can hear there’s still that old Kane just below the surface. You know, this Kane:

 Seth Rollins. The future of the WWE. At least in part. He’s got a spirit about him that is full of energy and youth. Not the same energy of Randy Orton or Triple H or John Cena when they began. Energy that will keep him a champion.

Quickly, though, the audience grew tired of the jibber-jabber and chants of “Bo-ring!” filled the stadium. Most big events shouldn’t have moments of storyline. It works for the Original 4, but not for these modern 8. We want action! With an event called Extreme Rules! we want extreme action all night long!

*

 Tomorrow, I'll talk about the "Kiss my Arse!" match and the controversy therein lie.

Two wrestlers who personify the attributes they are currently characterized as:
Dolph Ziggler vs Sheamus!
Ah, Sheamus! It took ye too long to get back to your warrior ways! The new Viking-ish beard, adorned with fun pony-tails, and the the wicked mo-hawk that cries out for battle! Sheamus, you have found yourself! 

One word though: don't smile so much. We know you're having fun, but be barbaric! We need formidable and ruthless bad fellas!

Ziggler. Dolph Ziggler. What a name! Finishing up with the "Ziz-Zag", lets this guy stay a superstar. He ran with the knuckleheads, and came out the star. He could use a valet or a tag-team partner ... to throw through a window! Dolph is the constant student of the HBK's school! Dolph brings a positive vibe, though, and can withstand a beating. Turn the energy vibe down to 5, and he'll be hanging with the Legends at the end.

Wrestle so you can Wrestle again!